The first of full-back Tiernan O'Halloran's two tries came three minutes before the interval and settled Ireland down after a shaky second quarter in which they conceded two tries to Canada to allow the visitors to level at 14-14.

There was only one team in it after that, Ireland winning the rest of the game convincingly.

Talking point: It was scrappy at times and Ireland will not be happy to concede three tries to second-tier opponents but for a second-string matchday squad, including eight debutants, who had never played together before to put more than 50 points past a Test team is credit in the bank for Irish squad-building towards the 2019 World Cup.

Key man: Ultan Dillane is growing into a Test-class lock with every appearance and the Connacht forward was named man of the match after a by now typical performance, a nuisance in the lineout and a serious threat with ball in hand, topped off with a second-half try.

Ref watch: South African official Marius van der Westhuizen steered a steady course through this match with some sensible officiating, a case in point when he penalised Billy Holland rather than carding the lock when his attention was drawn to a potential neck roll.

Holland was high and around the neck but there was attempt to roll the Canadian over the ball and a penalty was sufficient punishment. Good refereeing.

Injuries: Finlay Bealham was withdrawn in the second half after receiving treatment but otherwise Ireland appeared to come through this Test with a clean bill of health.

Next up: An altogether different assignment for Joe Schmidt's men as they welcome world champions New Zealand back to the Aviva for the first time since that heartbreaking defeat three years ago.

Did we mention that Ireland beat the All Blacks in Chicago nine days ago? Vengeance is in the air.